If you’re considering a career in real estate, you might be wondering if a college degree is required to be a real estate agent. And, if not, what kind of education is required?
When you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! In this post, we’re going to give you answers to the most frequently asked questions about real estate agent education requirements.
Q: Can You Get a Real Estate License Without a College Degree?
A: Absolutely! In all 50 states, you can qualify for your real estate license without a college degree. You just need a high school diploma or GED, and you need to complete your state-required real estate course(s).
Q: Can You Be a Real Estate Agent Without a Degree?
A: Absolutely! This question is similar to can you get a real estate license without a college degree, but it takes it one step further. Getting your real estate license is required if you want to be a real estate agent. But not everyone with a real estate license is an agent. Some licensees are property managers, some are real estate brokerage assistants, and some are real estate brokers.
If you want to use your real estate license to become a real estate agent, you can do so without a degree.
Q: Do you need a Bachelor’s Degree to be a real estate agent?
A: Nope! No degree is required to be a real estate agent. You don’t need an Associate’s Degree, a Bachelor’s Degree, or a Master’s Degree to have a successful career in real estate.
Q: Can You Be a Real Estate Agent With a Business Degree?
A: Sure! While a degree isn’t required, the additional business education will serve you well as a real estate agent. Real estate agents are typically self-employed. So as a real estate agent, you’re essentially a small business owner, and general business courses will teach you principles for running your business successfully.
In some states, you can opt-out of the required real estate course(s) if your degree is in a real estate-related field. Check with the real estate board (sometimes called a real estate commission) in your state for specific requirements.
Q: Do You Need a Diploma to Be a Real Estate Agent?
A: Yes, you need a diploma (or a GED) to be a real estate agent. In addition to your diploma or GED, you’ll also need to take your state-required real estate course(s).
Q: Can You Be A Real Estate Agent if You Only Have a GED?
A: Yep! But you will need to complete the state-required real estate course(s) as well.
Q: What Courses Are Required to Be a Real Estate Agent?
A: All states require some form of a Real Estate Principles and Practices course. Most states have additional course requirements that include topics like:
- Real estate finance,
- Real estate law,
- and/or real estate contracts.
If you happen to have a college degree in a real estate-related field, you might be able to opt out of these courses.
Check with your state’s real estate board for specific requirements.
Q: Where Can I Take My Real Estate Courses?
A: Most states allow you to complete your real estate courses online, which most people find more convenient than on-campus courses. You can complete online courses at your own pace, around your schedule.
As a real estate content writer, I’ve reviewed many, many real estate schools, and my recommendation is Aceable. Aceable consistently ranks number one in terms of student satisfaction and affordability. Plus, Aceable formats its courses specifically for smartphones, so you can study any time from anywhere. If Aceable isn’t available in your state yet, I recommend Real Estate Express which is a close runner-up in terms of satisfaction, price, and course content.
If your state still doesn’t allow online courses, you’ll need to search for a local real estate school. Most colleges (including community colleges) offer state-required real estate courses, but these are usually more expensive than real estate schools because of the accreditation of colleges.
Q: How Do I Become a Real Estate Agent?
A: The process for becoming a real estate agent is similar in all states (but the order of the steps might vary). In general, you’ll need to:
- Be at least 18 years old and have your high school diploma or GED.
- Pass your state-required real estate courses.
- Pass your real estate exam.
- Find a supervising broker (all real estate agents work under a licensed broker).
- Apply for your real estate license and pay your licensing fees.
You can begin working with buyers and sellers as soon as you receive your active real estate license.
Q: Is It Expensive to Become a Real Estate Agent?
A: “Expensive” is a relative term, but when you compare the cost of becoming a real estate agent to the cost of most other career paths, it’s undeniably inexpensive. You might end up paying $500-$1,000 in total for your real estate courses, testing fees, and licensing fees to become a real estate agent. But when you consider that a 4-year degree averaged over $35,000 in 2021, the cost of a real estate license is a steal.
Q: How Long Does it Take to Become a Real Estate Agent?
A: In most states, you can enroll in your real estate courses today and get your license within 3-4 months. If you already have a busy schedule you’ll need to work around, give yourself 6-9 months.
Q: Will My Real Estate Courses Teach Everything I Need to Know?
A: No. Your courses will teach you the basics of the industry, but the day-to-day work of finding leads, making sales, and managing your business is often self-taught. Blogs like Key Real Estate Resources and real estate sales books will supplement your real estate education.
